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https://theconversation.com/wagner-debacle-in-russia-raises-red-flags-for-african-states-and-how-they-manage-their-security-208605>
"The brief rebellion led against the Kremlin by the head of the Wagner
mercenary forces in Russia last week sent shock waves across the world.
This was no less true in Africa, where some countries have, over the last
decade, turned to the Wagner group for security support.
Many states in Africa are contending with multidimensional insecurity. This
includes violent extremism, terrorism, insurgency, banditry, communal clashes,
sea piracy, separatist violence, kidnapping and oil theft. Non-state actors
have entered the scene as security providers.
As a coordinator of observations of organised crime in central Africa at the
Institute for Security Studies based in Dakar, Senegal, I believe the recent
events in Russia could have three implications for African countries that
depend on non-state armed groups for security. These are: rebellion, increased
human rights abuses and insubordination to state military authorities.
African countries engaged with Wagner, and with Russia, should take heed. The
aborted Wagner rebellion offers distinct lessons for African countries that
have invited mercenary troops onto their soil.
Private armies might sometimes prove effective in the battlefield. And militias
might be useful in intelligence gathering. But the inability of state
authorities to bring them under control casts serious doubt on their overall
usefulness.
African states should rather take full responsibility for their security sector
reform. This must include repositioning their military and law enforcement
agencies to respond effectively to internal and external security challenges."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
